Brentwood Backstage Pass

When people meet me now, they often see confidence. They see Coach Tea— someone who can stand in front of a room, lead conversations, teach music, and create community. What they don’t always realize is that networking and public speaking did not come naturally to me at all. In fact, when I first started attending business networking events, I was painfully shy.

I remember walking into rooms full of business owners and feeling completely out of place. During introductions, we had to give elevator pitches every week, and I could barely look up from the floor. I would sit quietly in a chair during the networking portions because I genuinely didn’t know how to approach people or start conversations. I didn’t know how to “work the room,” and honestly, it felt awkward and uncomfortable.

One conversation changed everything for me.

Someone asked me a very simple question: “Do you believe in your business?” I immediately answered yes. Then she said something that completely shifted my perspective. She told me it was okay to be shy, Tiffany, at home, but when I walked into a room of business owners, I had to become Coach Tea— the confident business owner who believed in her purpose. She explained that networking was not about pretending to be someone else; it was about stepping into the version of myself willing to grow.

That advice gave me permission to evolve.

I began learning simple icebreakers and conversation starters. I practiced small talk. I slowly became more comfortable introducing myself and talking about my work. Over time, I realized that so many other business owners felt the same way I did — nervous, unsure, and intimidated by traditional networking environments. That realization inspired me to create something different.

That is how Brentwood Backstage Live was born.

Backstage Live is my vision for a networking experience that feels less like a formal business meeting and more like a family reunion or backyard cookout for entrepreneurs. I want people to walk into the room and feel immediately welcome, not pressured. Yes, there will still be structure and intention, but I want the atmosphere to feel relaxed, fun, and genuine.

We’ll have live music, engaging conversations, featured businesses, and networking topics that help people naturally connect with one another. One of my favorite ideas is spotlighting a local business during each event so the community can really learn who they are and what they offer. Sometimes we live right next door to incredible businesses and never even realize it. I want to create opportunities for people to truly see each other.

I also want to make networking easier for new business owners. When you are first starting out, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what to say or how to introduce yourself. I remember that feeling very well. My goal is to help remove that awkwardness and create an environment where people can learn how to connect naturally.

At the same time, I believe Backstage Live can also benefit longtime business owners. The business world is changing rapidly with AI, social media marketing, and new technologies. Sometimes experienced entrepreneurs can get stuck doing things the same old way simply because they haven’t had opportunities to exchange ideas with others. Networking creates space for all of us to learn from each other, no matter where we are in our journey.

Community has always been at the center of everything I do, and that same heart carries over into my music program, Virtuous Voices. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in environments where live music was everywhere — festivals, parades, restaurants, community events — and there was something powerful about people coming together through song.

Today, through Virtuous Voices, I primarily work with middle and high school students, helping them develop not only their musical talents but also their confidence and social skills. We perform at senior facilities, local events, and community gatherings because I believe music should bring people together. There is something incredibly special about watching seniors light up during a singalong or seeing young performers realize they can impact others through their voices.

One thing that is very important to me is teaching music that uplifts people. I always tell my students that if their grandparents or younger siblings cannot comfortably listen to a song, it probably isn't the right fit for our program. I want our performances to create joy, nostalgia, and positive connection across generations. We focus on jazz classics, pop favorites, R&B classics, harmonies, and musical theater techniques that allow students to grow artistically while still honoring wholesome values.

But honestly, the most rewarding part is not just hearing students sing beautifully. It is watching them transform.

I have worked with students who were too shy to sing in front of anyone. Then months later, I find myself attending their musical theater productions and watching them perform lead roles on stage with confidence. Those moments remind me that music is about so much more than vocal ability. It teaches courage, communication, self-expression, and leadership.

That is exactly why the name Virtuous Voices means so much to me. I want our voices to carry virtue into the community. I want young people to understand that their voices matter and that they can use them to encourage, inspire, and uplift others.

My faith is deeply woven into that mission.

The word “virtuous” itself comes directly from my beliefs and my relationship with God. I believe we are called to encourage one another, to live positively, and to bring light into the world around us. Scripture teaches us to “make a joyful noise,” and I truly believe music can glorify God while also healing and strengthening communities.

That is why I also offer a special Monday class specifically for children who want to sing on worship teams or praise teams at church. It is important to me that students who feel called to use their gifts in ministry have a place to grow and develop those talents as well.

Everything I do — whether it is networking, teaching music, or building community — comes back to helping people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Backstage Live is simply another extension of that vision. I want business owners to leave feeling inspired, not drained. I want new entrepreneurs to realize they belong in the room. I want people to laugh, build real relationships, share ideas, and maybe even sing along together by the end of the night.

Because at the heart of it all, community is what changes lives.

And sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one song, or one welcoming room to help someone finally find their voice.

I invite you to come check out my first Brentwood Backstage LIVE event on May 29th at 6:30 pm at the Brentwood Community Center. No singing required! Just an open mind and heart.